Grand Chief Membertou 400

The Halifax Common plays host to a powwow that includes a performance from Buffy Sainte Marie.

Thousands of First Nations are travelling to Nova Scotia this weekend from as far as Quebec and the States for the 400th anniversary of the baptism of Grand Chief Henri Membertou. Events include a free concert with Buffy Sainte Marie on the Common Friday night, a traditional Mi'kmaq village, native dance, drum competitions, artisan demonstrations and an incredible amount more---check membertou400.com for the full schedule. Annabel Bruce, the communications coordinator for the event, says it's the first time Atlantic Canada has ever had a powwow this large, and says the weekend is a way to make Mi'kmaq culture accessible to a wider audience. "It's kind of a turning point," she says. All events are free---of charge, and of both drugs and alcohol.